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AI to be introduced in Class 3 from 2026-27

Over 18,000 CBSE schools offer AI as a skill subject from Class 6 onwards through a 15-hour module, while Classes 9-12 have it as an optional subject.

Centre is set to introduce AI in the school curriculum for all students from Class 3 onwards from next academic year (2026-27 (Express photo by Abhinav Saha/ representative image)

Artificial intelligence is set to be introduced in the school curriculum from Class 3 onwards in the 2026-27 academic session, according to the Education Ministry.

This is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which calls for the introduction of “contemporary” subjects like artificial intelligence, design thinking, holistic health, organic living, environmental education, and global citizenship education in the curriculum.

The CBSE has constituted an expert panel to develop the curriculum for artificial intelligence and computational thinking.

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The Education Ministry is working with the CBSE and NCERT to support the designing of the curriculum, and is holding consultations with stakeholders to discuss its aspects.

Resource material like handbooks and digital resources are expected to be available by December this year.

According to Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, artificial intelligence should be treated as “a basic universal skill” that will be linked to ‘The World Around Us’, which is the environmental studies component that is introduced to students in Class 3.

Modules for teacher training, including videos, are likely to be available online through the NISHTHA programme.

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CBSE currently offers AI as a 15-hour skill module from Class 6 onwards. It is also offered as an optional skill subject to students in Classes 9-12.